Spring is officially here and it’s time to update your wardrobe for those warm days ahead, which is why Shopbop’s Event of the Season Sale could not have come at a better time! Until this Friday, get up to 25% off your purchase with promo code EVENT17…even sale items are included! And to help you narrow down your options, below are my top 5 must haves to add to your wardrobe this spring. From a comfy pair of fancy mules that add a little something to any outfit, to a pair of well-fitting jeans that show off your best assets, these items will serve you well for months (and years) to come!

Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to make us want bugs all over us! But not just any bugs…only CHANEL will do. “High-fashion ecology” was the latest inspiration behind the CHANEL Haute Couture Spring 2016 collection, with wood chips used as beading, and exquisite gowns created from recycled paper, organic woven yarn, and wild cotton. Subtle and not-so-subtle nods to nature were everywhere – in silhouettes, embroidery, jewelry, and embellishments. Models walked down the grassy runway sporting single bejeweled bug earrings, cap-toe cork wedges, dramatic double-eyeliner, and Leia-esque buns.

As with all CHANEL Couture collections, the craftsmanship was out-of-this-world-amazing – ornate embellishments that adorned most of the gowns must have taken an unspeakable number of hours to complete, and it showed. Speaking of stunning gowns, I am hoping CHANEL darling Kristen Stewart will show up in one of these to the Oscars…the people demand something fresh and exciting…and if I see another “naked” dress on another red carpet, I will drown my laptop in a champagne bath! But I digress…

Grand Palais was transformed into a serene garden, complete with trees, water lily ponds, green lawns, and blue skies. It was a perfect setting for this eco-conscious collection. I had so many personal favourites…and while I won’t be able to afford any of the pieces from this collection, I can at least borrow some styling tips from this show – from the single statement earring, to belted evening bags, to “a bug’s life” embellishments. Thanks to CHANEL and Karl, we are like totally buggin’!

What did you think of CHANEL Haute Couture Spring 2016 Collection? Share in the comments.

If you have a slew of holiday parties to attend, then today’s giveaway is perfect for you! Up for grabs is a $200 gift card from Call It Spring to help you find your perfect pair of party heels, sparkly jewelry, stylish winter accessories, and maybe a gift or two for your loved ones.

This season, I have a ton of Call It Spring favourites, from the subtle sparkle of GINESIO, to the sexy allure of the strappy ADRADONI, to the glittery cool of the COOLA…there’s a pair of shoes out there for any holiday party outfit. And let’s not forget about the bags! My fave tweedy HUPPER style is just roomy enough for all of your essentials, and has a handy cross-body chain so that you can dance the night away, without having to clutch something in your hands all night long. And of course, Call It Spring has a great selection of jewelry that will add just the right amount of glamour to your look without breaking the bank.

Converse x Missoni collabs hold a very special place in my heart, combining fashion and function in some of the best-looking kicks I’ve ever seen, these are my casual-wear go-tos. Which is why I’m so excited about the latest collaboration between the two brands for Spring 2015! Featuring the iconic zigzag pattern in All-Star and All-Star Lux wedge silhouettes, and fun colourways like Egret, Periwinkle/Citrus/Berry, Carnival/Peppermint, and more, these are true must-haves for all fashion lovers out there.

You know what sucks? SNOW! It was on the ground last night as I trekked home from the subway, and as I tried not to wipe out, I wished the boots I wore had better traction. Pretty soon, I won’t be able to get away with my regular ankle booties and will have to switch to my Cougar Boots for proper waterproof warmth, and yes, traction. And because I’m awesome like that, I want you to have a pair of warm boots this winter too…and I’ll even let you choose ANY PAIR OF COUGAR BOOTS your heart desires (valued up to $200)!

I have two pairs of Cougar Boots – one pair of rain boots, and one pair of pillow boots. I’ve worn both for years, and both still look perfect. The quality is truly superb. These boots are designed in Canada, with Canadian winters in mind, and they really do get the job done. So whether you want a new pair of rain boots or winter boots, you know your feet will stay dry and warm no matter the weather. Want a pair? Enter below!

Be still, my beating heart! Converse x Missoni Fall 2014 collection images are here and they are EVERYTHING. For the record, it took me 3 tries to type the word ‘everything’ correctly, because my fingers are freaking out. First of all, I’d like you to know that I will wrestle you for a pair of those black and white zigzag high-tops, and second of all, September 15th can’t come soon enough, because that’s when this collection will drop in Canada. Also, if you’re on a budget, don’t fret, the shoes are pretty affordable, ranging from $85 USD to $100 USD this time around.

“Since 2010, Converse and Missoni have partnered together to create eight premium First String sneaker collections. Converse First String is a limited-edition collection that celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity and collaboration at the highest level. This fall, Converse and Missoni take their partnership to the next level with an expansive all new Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker offering for both men and women. The new collection features Missoni’s iconic patterns printed on the signature Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck Taylor All Star Fancy sneakers.”

If you are as obsessed about this collab as I am, you will be able to pick up a pair at the following retailers: Town Shoes, Browns Shoes, Little Burgundy, Gravity Pope and Livestock, just make sure to leave a black and white pair in size 9W for me!

If you missed the last couple of ALDO A-List parties, don’t fret, because I’m hosting another fun-filled ALDO event, and YOU ARE INVITED! On May 11th, bring your mom, your friends, your boyfriend, and join me for a morning of shopping, discounts, brunch bites, and surprises at the ALDO store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre! The new Ostwald Helgason x ALDO Rise collection will be available, and if you still haven’t seen those shoes and bags in person, now’s your chance!

Don’t forget to RSVP, and bring your dance moves, because it’s going to be that kind of a party. See you there?

Well, starting today, the 13-piece Sophia Webster for J.Crew collection is available online in all its graphic and colourful glory. With prices ranging from $320 to $695, these shoes may not be the cheapest around, but they are certainly worth the splurge. Any pair from this collab would spice up even the boringest of outfits, adding spring to your step.

Phoebe: Hang in there, it’s gonna happen.Ross: What? Okay, now how do you know that?Phoebe: Because she’s your lobster.Chandler: Oh, she’s goin’ somewhere.Phoebe: Come on, you guys. It’s a known fact that lobsters fall in love and mate for life. You know what? You can actually see old lobster couples walkin’ around their tank, you know, holding claws.

Remember that awesome Friends episode?! Well, I’ve had a soft spot for lobsters ever since then, so it’s no surprise that seeing these Charlotte Olympia “Elsa” Lobster shoes sent my heart aflutter. How fun would it be to wear these in the summer with a crisp white shirt-dress? They are simply perfect for date nights with your own lobster, and would even work as whimsical wedding shoes too…if lobsters are your thing, that is. Either way, I’m adding yet another pair of Charlotte Olympias to my wishlist. The woman just keeps on designing things that speak to me…like cats, lobsters, bird cages, gummy bears…you name it. And I don’t mind one bit!

Last Sunday, I woke up bright and early and headed to Yorkdale to host a party at ALDO’s Toronto flagship. The store opened earlier than usual, welcoming A-list guests with refreshing orange juice and breakfast brownies (my favourite!), as well as 20% off the entire store! The party was thrown in honour of Noelle, who won a special #ALDOALIST contest from Virgin Radio, and as such, she was ALDO’s celeb for the day – hanging out in her very own VIP booth at the store, and shopping with her besties before the store’s official opening hours. Lucky girl!

But Noelle wasn’t the only lucky winner that day. I was also super pumped to meet Ariel, who won an ALDO shopping spree from this season’s Style Days of Christmas Giveaways. It was so wonderful to do a little shopping with Ariel and see her favourite pieces. With her $200 ALDO gift card, Ariel picked up an elegant bag, a pair of boots, a hat, and some jewelry. Not a bad haul! Not bad at all. And you know what? Seeing Ariel’s and Noelle’s faces light up with excitement made waking up early on a freezing Sunday morning totally worth it.

WHAT I WORE

WHO IS NELIA?

Nelia Belkova is a Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blogger by night and a financial analyst by day. She loves to travel, read gossip sites, eat sweets, and cuddle up to her husband and her cat on the couch. Read More…